inspired by a family home

Townend, a farmhouse in Troutbeck, was owned by the same Lakeland 'Brown' family for over 400 years. George Brown, who died in 1945, was a farmer, antiquarian and family historian with an obsession for wood carving. The house is full of antique oak furniture which has been elaborately embellished by George. When Beatrix Potter visited the house, she was horrified at what he had done.

Whether one likes or dislikes what George has done is, perhaps, a matter of taste. I was inspired by the exuberance and energy of the man. I wonder what his wife, Margaret thought of it? His hobby must have kept him busy during the long, winter evenings, anyway.